Students go to great lengths to learn

UNIVERSITY students were among the first to get a look behind-the-scenes at the £5m restoration work happening at Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths.

A group of sport management students from Northumbria University were invited to take a tour of the Grade II listed building, and get a first-hand insight into the redevelopment process.

The pool and Turkish baths – which originally opened in November 1928 – will be given a new lease of life following the refurbishment by registered charity Fusion Lifestyle.  

The visit formed part of a wider programme of engagement between Fusion and the University.

Tim Mills, director of business development at Fusion Lifestyle, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome students from the sport management course along to see how we’re progressing.

“We want to get them involved as much as possible, whether that’s through creating placement opportunities or helping them secure employment here when the site reopens.”

Michael Wood, senior lecturer at Northumbria University, said: “Newcastle City Pool represents a significant investment by Fusion in the city – it’s a fantastic local project of national significance that we want our students to be engaged with.

“We’ll be using the City Pool project as a case study to enhance teaching, looking at what it takes to complete projects like this and scoping opportunities to undertake research to help drive its success.

“Facilities like Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths are essential in helping people to lead active lifestyles and encouraging participation in sport for future generations.”

When the work is complete, the venue will feature a public pool and Turkish baths, fitness suites, exercise studios, a spa with treatment rooms and a café bistro.

Michael added: “The building has a great history and story, for it to be lost to other pursuits would have been a huge shame.

“I learnt to swim properly in that building in my mid-thirties, discovering a real love for swimming so it has a real place in my heart and I’m pleased it’s coming back to life.

“Fusion is innovating in the leisure sector and the diligence, expertise and care it has taken to configure and faithfully bring this facility back to life deserves our attention.”